Recent research by the team at The 1:1 Diet has revealed that the New Year will see a universal mental shift as many of us continue to focus on ourselves and our holistic wellbeing. For two thirds of people (66%), this centres on the desire to bring down the number we see when we step onto a set of scales, by - on average - two stone.
The research - drawn from the Weight of the Nation report - polled over 3,000 people across the UK and Ireland. It found that more than 16 million of us have been reduced to tears because of our weight, and a third (33%) are worrying what others are thinking about their weight. With 77% of the nation feeling ‘stuck in a rut’ when it comes to weight loss, now is the time to instill hope for those about to embark on their life-changing journey.
Most recent NHS data states that two-thirds of British adults aged 16 or over are overweight or obese, and research claims a 10% reduction in obesity prevalence could lead to significant NHS cost savings and social gain, equivalent to almost £6.5 billion per year.
With conditions such as joint pain (28%), high blood pressure (19%) and a need for prescription medicine due to obesity (15%) being prevalent, maintaining a healthy weight must be treated as a priority, and that’s before examining the negative effects on mental health and lifestyle.
The latest research showed that 66% of the nation would like to lose weight in 2023, however, it’s evident that 9 to 5 routines have an impact on our dieting dedication, as Brits are most likely to break a new diet regime at 5pm. Because of this, Brits feel disappointed (39%), frustrated (35%) and fear they’ll never lose weight (26%).
Looking at gender disparities, 74% of women feel they need to lose weight, compared to 57% of men. Worryingly, those aged 25 to 34-year-olds - or Millennials – are particularly suffering much more than others when it comes to their relationship with their weight. 70% of Millennials feel they need to lose weight, and 54% have been reduced to tears because of their weight, compared to 13% of those aged 55+. When asked which age groups feel most judged for being overweight, the Millennials topped the table once again, with 31% always feeling judged for their weight, when compared to the over 55’s (10%). The current cost of living crisis is also affecting the food this age group eat, with 28% recently having changed their eating habits as a result of reduced income.
Mark Gilbert, Nutritionist at The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan, comments: “The results of this latest study present a very concerning picture and one which needs addressing fast. Our diet has been shown to reverse diabetes, prediabetes (which over half the overweight, 40+ population has) and high blood pressure. It’s also been shown as beneficial for joint pain and sleep apnoea. These conditions don’t just put immense pressure on our NHS but also on an individual’s mental and physical wellbeing. Over a quarter of people (26%) feel like they’ll never lose weight, however there are some tips which can be implemented into your dieting journey, which will help you to achieve consistent weight loss.”
Inspired to kickstart your own weight loss? Find a 1:1 Diet Consultant today.